Factor IX competition

Factor IX competition Competitors closing in on a gene therapy for hemophilia B both published findings in large animals last week, but one is planning to enter the clinic and has signed on the other's former collaborators, potentially giving it at least a temporary edge. Avigen Inc. (AVGN, Alameda, Calif.) filed an IND in November for its adeno-associated viral vector bearing the Factor IX gene, while Cell Genesys Inc. (CEGE, Foster City, Calif.) is seeking a partner for its version of the treatment.

Investigator Mark Kay of Stanford University headed the team that presented CEGE's results in Nature Medicine, yet has joined Katherine High at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on the Avigen IND. "My feeling is that Avigen is extremely committed to going into the clinic," Kay told BioCentury...